St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC

It's St. Patrick's Day, and tens of thousands of people from all over are feeling the luck of the Irish and have lined-up for the big parade in Manhattan.Marchers stepped off at 11:00 a.m. and headed up Fifth Avenue, starting at 44th Street and ending at 86th Street.

For many, March 17th is all about fun and a bold, fearless show of green. The crowds lined Fifth Avenue to take in the big parade with all of its marchers, performers and dignitaries.

"It's great day for families, and we love the bagpipes," said Susan Florio, from Sayreville.

They come from all over, from as close as across the street to as far away as Ireland. Bronx resident Lester Esquea says the parade is fantastic.

"Great day for everyone to be together," she said.

As festive as the afternoon is, St. Patrick's Day morning traditionally begins in a more subdued manner, with mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

And this mass was particularly significant. Edward Cardinal Egan retires next month. But the cardinal didn't focus on his retirement. Instead, he talked about the struggles of the Irish, as well as the importance of faith and family.